Local non-profit groups to split nearly $11,000 in funding

ARENAC COUNTY — Non-profit organizations in Arenac County will split nearly $11,000 thanks to a congressional grant to expand emergency food and shelter in the area.

American Red Cross, East Shoreline Chapter Director of Community Services Jennifer Idalski said the Emergency Food and Shelter Program grant is distributed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) each year.

“We use this as a way to support local non-profit groups that help people in need,” she said.

Idalski said groups currently receiving funding include Good News Ministries, the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan, AuGres Christian Charities and the American Red Cross, but other non-profit organizations can still apply until Aug. 2.

To qualify for the funding, she said organizations must be private, voluntary non-profits or units of government, must have a voluntary board and accounting system, practice non-discrimination and have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food and shelter programs.

Idalski said a decision on what each individual non-profit organizations will receive for funding has yet to be determined.

“We will decide that when we get together,” she said. “When we meet, we will talk about who is getting what.”

Idalski said there are a number of reasons that people need help from non-profit organizations.

“Some people may need food assistance and we can help them get fresh food,” she said. “If there are people with needs financially we can give them support.”

One issue Idalski said the Red Cross helps people with is with is keeping their homes.

“There are people in Arenac County who are homeless,” she said. “We help them keep a roof over their heads by helping them pay rent and utilities. We can hopefully help keep people off of the streets.”

Idalski said keeping people in their homes with proper care is important for Arenac County. She added that the help of local non-profits is key.

“With the help we have, we can prevent people from living on the streets,” she said.

Any public or private non-profit agency looking to apply for funding can contact Idalski at 989-892-1541. She added that anyone looking for assistance can contact the American Red Cross at 989-846-6333.